THUNDER BAY – Wildfire Update – The Northwest Region saw an increase in wildfire activity over the past 24 hours, with four new fires confirmed. As of Friday afternoon, 12 fires were burning in the region.
New Fires:
- Thunder Bay 25 (THU025): Located near Upper Shebandowan Lake, southeast of Kashabowie. This 0.1 hectare fire has been called out.
- Nipigon 47 (NIP047): Located on a hillside south of Macdiarmid near Lake Nipigon. This 0.1 hectare fire has also been called out.
- Thunder Bay 24 (THU024): Located near McGaw Creek, northeast of Thunder Bay. This 20-hectare fire is not under control.
- Nipigon 46 (NIP046): Located on Lake Nipigon First Nation, west of Geraldton. This 1.2-hectare fire is also not under control.
Current Fire Situation:
Of the 12 active fires in the Northwest Region:
- 2 fires are not under control.
- 3 fires are under control.
- 7 fires are being observed.
Fire Hazard:
Significant portions of the Northwest Region, including Thunder Bay and Nipigon, remain under a high wildland fire hazard. Kenora, Red Lake, and Sioux Lookout sectors are experiencing moderate to low hazard.
To view the current fire hazard in your area, visit the interactive map [insert link to interactive map here].
Fall Burning Reminders:
Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) is reminding the public to exercise caution with outdoor burning this fall.
- Consider alternatives: Composting or using your local landfill are encouraged for yard waste disposal.
- Burn safely: If you must burn, follow Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations:
- Ignite fires no sooner than two hours before sunset.
- Extinguish fires no later than two hours after sunrise.
- Have tools and water on hand to control the fire.
- Ensure the fire is completely out before leaving.
For a complete list of regulations and safe burning tips, visit [insert link to Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations here] and [insert link to safe burning practices on ontario.ca here].
Reporting Wildfires:
To report a wildland fire north of the French and Mattawa rivers, dial 310-FIRE. For fires south of these rivers, dial 9-1-1.
